The Campagnolo Chorus groupset makes great use of composite materials technology.
Composite materials provide a better weight/resistance ratio than aluminum and titanium. That means that a product in composite material weighs less but provides the same level of resistance, which is no small advantage.
The already high performance provided by the Campagnolo Chorus group is further improved. Crankset, rear derailleur, Ergopower and seatpost now share with theCampagnolo Record groupset the technology of composite materials.

User Reviews (64)

2008 Campagnolo Chorus Compact 10 speed groupo. This replaced my 18 year old 1st generation Campaganolo Ergo conventinal 8 speed with approximately 20,000 miles. The old groupo was absolutely bomb proof. I am sure I had it adjusted but I can't remember ever doing so, never overhauled. New stuff seems just as good. Crank is much lighter and stiffer, I weigh 240 lbs so this feature is very much welcomed. Brakes are lighter and seem improved but only slightly. I made the mistake of ordering a short cage derailer with the compact crank and a 13x29 cassette(the shop should have recognized my mistake but failed to do so)but the mechanic said not to worry.... and he was correct. Seems to stift just fine but then again its not like I get to test ride all kinds of groupos. The campy web site says to match only the meduim cage with the compact crank w/ 13x29 cassette....so beware! Too early to rate it a "5".

Similar Products Used:
none

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

Richard Young Recreational Rider

[Jan 11, 2008]

Strength:

light weight without any obvious tadeoffs

Weakness:
I don't really like the weird look of the crank

2008 Campagnolo Chorus Compact 10 speed groupo. This replaced my 18 year old 1st generation Campaganolo Ergo conventinal 8 speed with approximately 20,000 miles. The old groupo was absolutely bomb proof. I am sure I had it adjusted but I can't remember ever doing so, never overhauled. New stuff seems just as good. Crank is much lighter and stiffer, I weigh 240 lbs so this feature is very much welcomed. Brakes are lighter and seem improved but only slightly. I made the mistake of ordering a short cage derailer with the compact crank and a 13x29 cassette(the shop should have recognized my mistake but failed to do so)but the mechanic said not to worry.... and he was correct. Seems to stift just fine but then again its not like I get to test ride all kinds of groupos. The campy web site says to match only the meduim cage with the compact crank w/ 13x29 cassette....so beware! Too early to rate it a "5".

Similar Products Used:
none

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

Mike
Recreational Rider [Apr 25, 2006]

Strength:

Performance like no other, amazingly cool, great shifting by far, great braking, 10 speed, they look killer. Shifting on the fly is awesome. I can always shift while climbing and that speaks volumes. Thank you Campy.

Weakness:

Price. That's about it. But I'd pay for it no matter what happens. It's my bike.

Campagnolo Chorus. I used old school Chorus back in the early 90's, 8 speed. I just upgraded my Allez to 10 speed. I love Campy. I love the wheelset I have now. The Protons roll great and stay trued, great wheelset for the buck. Next wheelset will be Eurus. Got them from Bicycle Buy for a great deal. Right now I have FSA compact cranks. Chorus compact FD makes a huge difference in shifting. Campy is sweet and shifts great.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano DA.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Mike Recreational Rider

[Apr 25, 2006]

Strength:

Performance like no other, amazingly cool, great shifting by far, great braking, 10 speed, they look killer. Shifting on the fly is awesome. I can always shift while climbing and that speaks volumes. Thank you Campy.

Weakness:
Price. That's about it. But I'd pay for it no matter what happens. It's my bike.

Campagnolo Chorus. I used old school Chorus back in the early 90's, 8 speed. I just upgraded my Allez to 10 speed. I love Campy. I love the wheelset I have now. The Protons roll great and stay trued, great wheelset for the buck. Next wheelset will be Eurus. Got them from Bicycle Buy for a great deal. Right now I have FSA compact cranks. Chorus compact FD makes a huge difference in shifting. Campy is sweet and shifts great.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano DA.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

mbakercad
Recreational Rider [Apr 24, 2006]

Strength:

Ultra smooth, precise, and a work of art.

Weakness:

Rear brake caliper does not want to center up as well as I think it should.

This is a fantastic groupo. I can only campare them to Shimano Sora but it is not a comparison. Lightening fast shifts, ultra smooth, lightweight, & beautiful.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Sora 8 speed mix.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

mbakercad Recreational Rider

[Apr 24, 2006]

Strength:

Ultra smooth, precise, and a work of art.

Weakness:
Rear brake caliper does not want to center up as well as I think it should.

This is a fantastic groupo. I can only campare them to Shimano Sora but it is not a comparison. Lightening fast shifts, ultra smooth, lightweight, & beautiful.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Sora 8 speed mix.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

cthomas
Recreational Rider [Dec 18, 2005]

Strength:

- Campy cool
- Ergonomics are great. The flat bar/hood position is very comfortable.
- Shifts like a dream, especially the Front Derailleur. Rear derailleur is nice and precise.

Weakness:

- Cost, but this is not as bad when compared to the new D/A and Ultegra 10 pricing.
- chains and cassette prices are absurd. The good news is that Campy cassettes are good old-fashioned steel and will last a long time.

A lifelong Shimano rider, I wanted to try Campy when I bought my new custom Seven but had fairly new Dura Ace 9 speed so decided to wait. Being somewhat of a Fred, after a year I couldn't wait any longer! I shopped both the Shimano D/A 10 and Campy Chorus/Record. While I liked the improvement to the Shimano STI shifters, I just didn't like the overall look (my wife calls them ram's horns). Personally I loved the ergonomics of the Campy flat hoods, so I decided to take the plunge. Not being a racer, I just couldn't justify the cost difference for Record (I'm not THAT much of a Fred!). I do my own wrenching, so I bought the majority of the gruppo from Colorado Cyclist but the brakeset and a chain from eBay. I also bought a set of Proton wheels from Total Cycling in Ireland. $290 duty-free, so quite a deal.
Overall the fit and finish of the Chorus parts are beautiful. Sleek, stylish, and with panache. Installation was easy, although I had to get used to cable routing under the handlebar tape. It also took me 2 attempts to get the handlebar tape wrapped right, since it is a little different than Shimano.
Now for the functionality...can't be beat!
Shimano D/A is a lighter touch, but the Campy shifters seem to get better with every ride. I also noticed that the rear shifts are solid and precise, although the 10-speed drivetrain does require a bit more dialing in than the old 9 speed. Front shifting is WAY better, as the Campy uses a ratcheting motion that more gently moves the chain when compared to Shimano's spring loaded jump. I use an FSA compact crankset with the Chorus CT front derailleur, and the front shifting is far better than my old D/A shifters with an IRD FD. Not even close.
The Campy FD did cause me fits, as it has a little plastic insert to help shifting. This also narrows the opening for the chain, and I was constantly adjusting this until I just removed the insert. I just can't tolerate chain rub.
Finally, the Campy panache is excellent, especially the carbon fiber levers. Shimano bikes are everywhere, but not many ride Campy. This adds to the cool factor. Add to that that it is rebuildable, and you can't beat it. Shimano levers are great, but after a couple of years their performance just starts to wane. I am looking forward to being able to replace parts and have my shifters functioning like new.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano Ultegra 9, Dura Ace 9, Campy Veloce

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

cthomas Recreational Rider

[Dec 18, 2005]

Strength:

- Campy cool
- Ergonomics are great. The flat bar/hood position is very comfortable.
- Shifts like a dream, especially the Front Derailleur. Rear derailleur is nice and precise.

Weakness:
- Cost, but this is not as bad when compared to the new D/A and Ultegra 10 pricing.
- chains and cassette prices are absurd. The good news is that Campy cassettes are good old-fashioned steel and will last a long time.

A lifelong Shimano rider, I wanted to try Campy when I bought my new custom Seven but had fairly new Dura Ace 9 speed so decided to wait. Being somewhat of a Fred, after a year I couldn't wait any longer! I shopped both the Shimano D/A 10 and Campy Chorus/Record. While I liked the improvement to the Shimano STI shifters, I just didn't like the overall look (my wife calls them ram's horns). Personally I loved the ergonomics of the Campy flat hoods, so I decided to take the plunge. Not being a racer, I just couldn't justify the cost difference for Record (I'm not THAT much of a Fred!). I do my own wrenching, so I bought the majority of the gruppo from Colorado Cyclist but the brakeset and a chain from eBay. I also bought a set of Proton wheels from Total Cycling in Ireland. $290 duty-free, so quite a deal.
Overall the fit and finish of the Chorus parts are beautiful. Sleek, stylish, and with panache. Installation was easy, although I had to get used to cable routing under the handlebar tape. It also took me 2 attempts to get the handlebar tape wrapped right, since it is a little different than Shimano.
Now for the functionality...can't be beat!
Shimano D/A is a lighter touch, but the Campy shifters seem to get better with every ride. I also noticed that the rear shifts are solid and precise, although the 10-speed drivetrain does require a bit more dialing in than the old 9 speed. Front shifting is WAY better, as the Campy uses a ratcheting motion that more gently moves the chain when compared to Shimano's spring loaded jump. I use an FSA compact crankset with the Chorus CT front derailleur, and the front shifting is far better than my old D/A shifters with an IRD FD. Not even close.
The Campy FD did cause me fits, as it has a little plastic insert to help shifting. This also narrows the opening for the chain, and I was constantly adjusting this until I just removed the insert. I just can't tolerate chain rub.
Finally, the Campy panache is excellent, especially the carbon fiber levers. Shimano bikes are everywhere, but not many ride Campy. This adds to the cool factor. Add to that that it is rebuildable, and you can't beat it. Shimano levers are great, but after a couple of years their performance just starts to wane. I am looking forward to being able to replace parts and have my shifters functioning like new.

When I decided to buy my Colnago, I had to decide between Campy and Dura Ace. I had been riding Shimano-equipped bikes since the late '80's, and was a bit hesitant to switch (although I always was a Campy fan!). I decided it just seemed right to put Campy on a Colnago, and am very happy I did. I am still riding my original chain, after 15000+ miles, and have never had to replace or even adjust any of the Campy parts. I like the analogy that Campy feels like you're driving a fine Italian sports car (deliberate shifts, beautiful to look at, finely crafted), where Shimano is more like a fine Japanese sports car (quieter, efficient, less personality and beauty). Both are excellent in their own way, but I definitely prefer Campy!

When I decided to buy my Colnago, I had to decide between Campy and Dura Ace. I had been riding Shimano-equipped bikes since the late '80's, and was a bit hesitant to switch (although I always was a Campy fan!). I decided it just seemed right to put Campy on a Colnago, and am very happy I did. I am still riding my original chain, after 15000+ miles, and have never had to replace or even adjust any of the Campy parts. I like the analogy that Campy feels like you're driving a fine Italian sports car (deliberate shifts, beautiful to look at, finely crafted), where Shimano is more like a fine Japanese sports car (quieter, efficient, less personality and beauty). Both are excellent in their own way, but I definitely prefer Campy!

The shifting is generally reliable and the drive train is quiet. The Ergo shifters are always within reach, both when I’m riding the dropdowns and hoods. I’ve noticed a slight sluggishness in the shifting action when I’m shifting under load, such as riding into a headwind or up a slight hill. On steeper hills I’ve experienced some grinding and resistance during shifting. I think I’m fairly astute about the amount of pressure to apply during climbing gear changes, and have never had this kind of problem with my old Suntour downtube shifters. Also the gears seem to hesitate a little extra if I don’t clean and lube the drive train religiously after every ride.
The ergo shifters shine, during the occasional not quite happy chain path rattle. You just give the front shifter a small tap up or down and no more rattle. Also, I like being able to jump several gears when I want to by applying a little extra juice to the Ergo shifters.

The shifting is generally reliable and the drive train is quiet. The Ergo shifters are always within reach, both when I’m riding the dropdowns and hoods. I’ve noticed a slight sluggishness in the shifting action when I’m shifting under load, such as riding into a headwind or up a slight hill. On steeper hills I’ve experienced some grinding and resistance during shifting. I think I’m fairly astute about the amount of pressure to apply during climbing gear changes, and have never had this kind of problem with my old Suntour downtube shifters. Also the gears seem to hesitate a little extra if I don’t clean and lube the drive train religiously after every ride.
The ergo shifters shine, during the occasional not quite happy chain path rattle. You just give the front shifter a small tap up or down and no more rattle. Also, I like being able to jump several gears when I want to by applying a little extra juice to the Ergo shifters.

Similar Products Used:
Suntour.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

dougk
Triathlete [Nov 09, 2004]

Strength:

I prefer action and fit of ergolevers over STI, still works flawlessly.

Weakness:

It's not cheap, but definitely the best price point in my book.

3 years, still shifts perfectly. Have only replaced chain. What more do you want?

shifting experience
rear derailleur, ergopower levers,
overall finish and design
weight
careful instructions for the use of everything, ensuring a great ride also for non mechanics

Weakness:

none encountered so far

Great Gruppo. Superb finish everywhere. brakes are smooth but have lots of grip, easier to control brake power than with shimano brakes. shifting is direct, fast, no noises. Ergopower enables changing gears from various positions, comfortable and ergonomic. beautiful cranks (have you seen the new shimanos??)

Similar Products Used:
shimano ultegra sti
shimano 600 a few years back
shimano 105

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

wini Recreational Rider

[Oct 27, 2004]

Strength:

shifting experience
rear derailleur, ergopower levers,
overall finish and design
weight
careful instructions for the use of everything, ensuring a great ride also for non mechanics

Weakness:
none encountered so far

Great Gruppo. Superb finish everywhere. brakes are smooth but have lots of grip, easier to control brake power than with shimano brakes. shifting is direct, fast, no noises. Ergopower enables changing gears from various positions, comfortable and ergonomic. beautiful cranks (have you seen the new shimanos??)

Similar Products Used:
shimano ultegra sti
shimano 600 a few years back
shimano 105

A little expensive when compared to similar Shimano - but probably more durable. Once you go to Campy wheels and components, you limit after market/alternative suppliers a little. Cassettes are expensive.

Outstanding. I decided to give Campagnolo a try and I have been extremely pleased with the Chorus group. I read several recommendations before trying it. Basically, it performs as well as Record for a bit less money. It is slighltly heavier than Record, but it is still very competetive. I understand that the Chorus is basically Record from one to two seasons ago.
I am not a Campy snob, so I won't tell you that Shimano is horrible and you should switch - it really is personal preference. I just rode with a freind today who is considering switching. I told him to keep his two DA equipped bikes, because his performance would not justify the cost of switching all that gear.
Here is what I like about Chorus (and Campy in general).
-The shifting is more natural, the chain essentially goes in the direction you push the various levers.
-Shifts are crisp
-Braking is great
-Its more rare than Shimano, so its a little cooler in that way.
-10 speed throughout their top four groups.
-No cables hanging out in the air.
The only concern that I had was in the fact that the cranks use a square tapered BB. Its kind of old school - but then I remembered that there was never anything wrong with the old square tapered BBs I used to use. The cranks are great - low Q and all that. This is quality stuff.

Weakness:
A little expensive when compared to similar Shimano - but probably more durable. Once you go to Campy wheels and components, you limit after market/alternative suppliers a little. Cassettes are expensive.

Outstanding. I decided to give Campagnolo a try and I have been extremely pleased with the Chorus group. I read several recommendations before trying it. Basically, it performs as well as Record for a bit less money. It is slighltly heavier than Record, but it is still very competetive. I understand that the Chorus is basically Record from one to two seasons ago.
I am not a Campy snob, so I won't tell you that Shimano is horrible and you should switch - it really is personal preference. I just rode with a freind today who is considering switching. I told him to keep his two DA equipped bikes, because his performance would not justify the cost of switching all that gear.
Here is what I like about Chorus (and Campy in general).
-The shifting is more natural, the chain essentially goes in the direction you push the various levers.
-Shifts are crisp
-Braking is great
-Its more rare than Shimano, so its a little cooler in that way.
-10 speed throughout their top four groups.
-No cables hanging out in the air.
The only concern that I had was in the fact that the cranks use a square tapered BB. Its kind of old school - but then I remembered that there was never anything wrong with the old square tapered BBs I used to use. The cranks are great - low Q and all that. This is quality stuff.

Similar Products Used:
Campy Veloce, Shimano 105, Dura Ace.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

orange_julius
Road Racer [Jun 20, 2004]

Strength:

Precision, never needs to be adjusted, lightweight, ergo levers agree with my hands.

Weakness:

Rising price due to the Euro. But still competitively priced against other gruppos.

The 2004 Chorus gruppo is one of the best deals on the market today; with Shimano inflating their prices and the Chorus gruppo inheriting some of the features that were on the Record gruppo only last year, this is one difficult group to not give serious thought.
As to be expected of a gruppo at this price level, shifting is precise and consistent, and I can attest that the shifting system has performed admirably in the salty and muddy New England winter. It shifts precisely even when going over cobbled sections of the country roads at high speed, or over rocky surfaces.
Braking action is better than on my previous Centaur gruppo, although the brake pads seem to wear a little faster. The carbon shifters are very durable (learned this from a silly roof rack incident), and the shifters have light action, yet lost none of the industrial certainty characteristic of Campagnolo. Yet it is still lighter compared to Shimano's STI system.
The front derailleur is a marked improvement over the Centaur, giving much faster shifting from the 39 to the 53 and back.
In summary, there isn't much to complain about the 2004 Chorus, except for the continuously rising price of the Euro, but that is outside of Campagnolo's control. Their aggressive pricing in face of the Euro exchange rate means that their Centaur and Chorus gruppos are worth a second look.

Similar Products Used:
2003 Centaur

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

orange_julius Road Racer

[Jun 20, 2004]

Strength:

Precision, never needs to be adjusted, lightweight, ergo levers agree with my hands.

Weakness:
Rising price due to the Euro. But still competitively priced against other gruppos.

The 2004 Chorus gruppo is one of the best deals on the market today; with Shimano inflating their prices and the Chorus gruppo inheriting some of the features that were on the Record gruppo only last year, this is one difficult group to not give serious thought.
As to be expected of a gruppo at this price level, shifting is precise and consistent, and I can attest that the shifting system has performed admirably in the salty and muddy New England winter. It shifts precisely even when going over cobbled sections of the country roads at high speed, or over rocky surfaces.
Braking action is better than on my previous Centaur gruppo, although the brake pads seem to wear a little faster. The carbon shifters are very durable (learned this from a silly roof rack incident), and the shifters have light action, yet lost none of the industrial certainty characteristic of Campagnolo. Yet it is still lighter compared to Shimano's STI system.
The front derailleur is a marked improvement over the Centaur, giving much faster shifting from the 39 to the 53 and back.
In summary, there isn't much to complain about the 2004 Chorus, except for the continuously rising price of the Euro, but that is outside of Campagnolo's control. Their aggressive pricing in face of the Euro exchange rate means that their Centaur and Chorus gruppos are worth a second look.